Republican leaders in Pennsylvania’s 193rd state House district have chosen Catherine Wallen as the GOP candidate for the March 17 special election to replace former state Rep. Torren Ecker.
Wallen – a farmer and former staffer for Ecker – said in a Tuesday announcement that she had received “overwhelming support” for her bid from the Republican committee members in the district, which encompasses northern Adams and southwestern Cumberland counties.
PA 193rd House District candidate Catherine Wallen (photo courtesy of candidate’s campaign)Submitted
“I understand the challenges facing working families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses because I have lived them,” Wallen said in her announcement. “I am running for State Representative to bring common-sense leadership to Harrisburg, protect local values, and ensure the voices of Adams and Cumberland County families are heard and represented.”
Ecker was one of four state representatives to step down at the end of last year in order assume a different office, having won a judgeship on the Adams County Court of Common Pleas.
The March 17 special election will select who will fill the remainder of Ecker’s term. Primaries are not held for such elections, with local party committees selecting the candidates.
Democrats have announced a Jan. 24 committee meeting to select their candidate. Wallen will be running at an advantage regardless, given the heavy Republican lean of the district.
Wallen was born and raised in Adams County, according to her campaign biography, and is the owner and operator of Orchard Views LLC, a small farm in York Springs. For the past eight years, she served as the director of Ecker’s district office, managing constituent services, grant applications, and other functions.
Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ seats are two-year terms, meaning that Wallen will need to run again in November of 2026 if she wishes to serve beyond this year.